Why is owning a car in Canada a must? It makes travelling a breeze, especially during those chilly winter months. Are you looking to jumpstart your career in the automotive industry? There are two diploma programs to choose from: the Automotive Collision and Refinishing Diploma and the Automotive Service Technology Diploma.
The Automotive Collision and Refinishing Diploma mainly focuses on repairing and replacing a vehicle’s automotive glass, interior and exterior components and restoring the structural integrity of a damaged vehicle. Graduates can work as automotive collision repair technicians, repair preparation technicians, or automotive glass technicians.
The Automotive Service Technology Diploma incorporates the business scope and customer service. In addition to learning theoretical knowledge related to auto repair, it also emphasizes communication and management skills. Therefore, most students will work in the customer services department or the owner of an auto repair shop.
According to JOB BANK statistics, the employment opportunities in the auto repair industry in the next three years are optimistic. On the one hand, a modest number of new jobs are created due to regular factors such as job growth and retirement. Only a small number of currently unemployed workers have relevant skills and experience, so the demand for this job is usually not met. On the other hand, there is a rebound in new and used car sales in the first half of 2021, with a global shortage of microchips delaying new car launches. Therefore, as automobile use increases, it is expected that there will be continued demand for occupations that service vehicles.
Recommended Programs
BCIT – Automotive Service Technician and Operations
BCIT’s Diploma in Automotive Service Technician and Operations program is an automotive specialty program that includes a practicum designed to prepare students to become skilled technicians capable of diagnosing and repairing the complex systems of today’s vehicles.
This major offers maximum career flexibility, enabling graduates to choose Red Seal Certification as an Automotive Service Technician for post-diploma baccalaureate pathways in Business Administration and Technology Management. It is also suitable for those interested in automotive but aspiring to run their own business or hold industry customer service and management positions.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 11 Mathematics
- IELTS: 6.0/ Duolingo 105
Visit BCIT’s program page to learn more.
Okanagan College – Automotive Service Technician
This two-year diploma program is designed for students who wish to work in the automotive industry as automotive service technicians or seek management roles in service, sales or operations. The program provides training in technical fields, including automotive service and repair, technical writing and communication, and business practice. Upon successful completion of technical training, students can sit for the Provincial Industry Training Authority AST HL1 standardized exam and earn 450 hours of practical work to earn AST HL1 certification.
Admission Requirements
- Graduated from high school or at least 19 years old
- Grade 11 Mathematics
- IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105
Okanagan College – Collision Repair and Refinishing Diploma
This two-year diploma program includes a 2-week industry work placement—designed for students who wish to work in the automotive industry as an Automotive Collision Repair Technician, Repair Preparation Technician or Automotive Glass Technician. The course provides training in four technical areas: automotive refinishing preparation, automotive refinishing, automotive collision repair, and automotive glass repair and replacement. Upon successful completion of specialized training, students will be eligible to sit for standardized examinations by provincial industry training bureaus.
Admission Requirements
- Graduated from high school or at least 19 years old
- Grade 11 Mathematics
- IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105
Learn more at Okanagan College website here.
Vancouver Community College – Automotive Collision and Refinishing Diploma
The program prepares students for employment in the automotive industry. Students learn to repair and replace automotive glass, interior and exterior components of vehicles, and restore the structural integrity of damaged vehicles. Graduates of this program may find employment in the automotive industry as an automotive collision repair technician, refinish preparation technician or automotive glass technician.
Admission Requirements
- Graduated from high school
- Grade 10 Mathematics
- IELTS 5.0 or Duolingo 95
Check more details about Automotive Collision and Refinishing Diploma at VCC from here.
Vancouver Community College – Automotive Service Technology Diploma
The program is designed to prepare international students for the automotive repair industry. Graduates will acquire the advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to perform their duties safely, ethically and professionally. Graduates will also acquire a wide range of skills to apply practical, communication and business skills to be successful employees in the industry.
Admission Requirements
- Graduated from high school
- Grade 11 Mathematics
- IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 105
If you are interested in studying Automotive Service Technology Diploma at VCC, visit here.
Source: Okanagan college official website, VCC official website, BCIT official website
